Meta takes down two AI-generated video of PM Modi

Meta has taken down two reels posted by the Indian National Congress (INC) on Facebook and Instagram after receiving content takedown notices from Delhi Police. The AI-generated videos allegedly depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adani Group chief Gautam Adani. The company reportedly received the notices on December 18, and restricted access to the two reels in India the same day. The content was posted from verified accounts of the INC on Facebook and Instagram.

In its Lumen submission, Meta said the Delhi Police invoked Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act and Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 66C of the IT Act.

“The risk of not complying with the notices was loss of safe harbour for the specific items and potential criminal penalties against Meta’s local personnel,” the company said in the Lumen submission, referring to protections available to intermediaries under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act. The company also said it informed the affected users about the action taken.

Meta noted in the Lumen submission that the reels did not violate its Community Standards. A Meta spokesperson clarified that the content was restricted “upon receipt of a valid blocking order” from law enforcement.

The platform removes content that violates its own community standards or local laws. In this case, Meta acted due to the legal obligation attached to the Delhi Police notice and the risk of losing its safe harbour protections.